Discontinuous, expandable modular processing for fibrous materials and sheetings in plastic, paper and metals

Abstract

A discontinuous system applies chemical solutions, dispersions, slurries and pastes to fibrous materials, paper, plastic and metal sheeting, or their composites, confined in one station and capable to wind, rewind and position rolls in sequence and to process sheeting with the ability to interrupt, inspect sections, and add additional windings of the same roll under varied conditions.

What I claim is: 
     
       1. A system for processing endless materials through a plurality of applicators, winders, resetters, rewinders and storage locations, wherein the improvement comprises: a working area;   a discontinuous modular machine located adjacent said working area for the processing of substrates including fibers, sheeting and batches of cellulosic and synthetic materials, plastics and metal foils in a hostile environment, including a chamber supported overhead and generally closed on all sides, top and bottom, said chamber having a narrow opening slotted at the bottom of said chamber to enter said substrates from said working area, said opening being closed to prevent air from entering said chamber and preventing excess vapors escaping from said chamber to enable said vapors to condense on said substrates as they enter said chamber whereby said condensed vapors are returned to said chamber as condensate on said substrates; means at said working area to feed and process said substrates including two dual working stations, each working station equipped with drive means and brake means, to start, brake and stop, wind forward and wind back any number of times; additional means to lift and lower said substrates, move said substrates forward and back and to interchange all available options to maneuver said substrates along the x,y-axis of the machine, and means to open the bottom and sides of said chamber to permit the entry and removal of said fibers, sheeting, and batches of cellulosic and synthetic materials, plastics and metal foils.   
     
     
       2. The system of claim 1 further including prime movers, brakes and energy generators located outside of said chamber, means connected between said prime movers, brakes and energy generators and said chamber to control the motion of said substrates in said chamber. 
     
     
       3. The system of claim 2 including means connected to said prime movers, brakes and energy generators to tilt and direct said substrates to predetermined locations, said tilting and directing means including angular distortion protection means. 
     
     
       4. The system of claim 1 including means located in said chamber for applying dispersions, slurries and solutions to said substrates, and means located in said chamber to manipulate said substrates in at least one winding, in forward and reverse directions, said manipulating means including dual lifting devices for positioning said substrates. 
     
     
       5. The system of claim 1 further including means in said chamber for energizing said substrates to a state of internal vaporization and to maintain said substrates at reversible phase-transition between liquid and vapor by subjecting said substrates to super heated steam and vapors; energy generating means mounted in said chamber to assist the maintenance of said substrates at said state by subjecting said substrates to said energy source. 
     
     
       6. The system of claim 1, further including winding and heat generating means mounted in said chamber for winding and applying heat evenly over the width and length of said substrates during winding; movable means coupled to said winding and heat generating means to reflect direct and indirect radiation on to the substrates; means mounted in said chamber to control the temperature of said substrates and the temperature of the interior of the chamber said temperature control means including a heater including means to generate an elongated flame, a length of serpentine tubing, and means to apply said flame to said tubing to use said tubing to radiate energy. 
     
     
       7. The system of claim 1, further including means mounted in said chamber to inject sprays or gases under controlled conditions towards said substrates. 
     
     
       8. The system of claim 1, wherein said chamber includes composite insulation mounted thereon; reflective sheeting mounted at the interior thereof; and fire resistant materials mounted on the outside of said chamber including heat resistant insulators. 
     
     
       9. The system of claim 1, further including means to permit said system to operate continuously including at least one applicator, a rewinding station, and storage means including a moving conveyor for storing and transporting said substrates. 
     
     
       10. The system of claim 9, further including instrumentation means connected to said system for monitoring, controlling and data recording for the reliable control of repeat performance in the processing of said substrates, including means to measure the dimensions of substrates before, during and after processing, recording the formulation used, weigh said substrates, monitor and control temperatures, moisture content, processing speed, tension, pressure and time sequences.